Green Tree Python, watercolor and ink
The striking green color of this tree-dwelling snake helps its camouflage in the jungle, but how does it find its prey? Look closely at the lip scales to see dark pits. These pits allow the snake to detect the body heat of potential prey, helping the snake to locate prey that it might not see with its eyes. What additional adaptations might this snake have for living and hunting in trees?
Alligator Snapping Turtle, watercolor
Did you notice all the different textures? The ridges of the shell, the smooth hooked beak, the fleshy tubercles on the skin? These turtles hunt by sitting submerged in murky water. They can hold their breath for an hour as they wait for desirable prey to swim by. How might these textures be related to this turtle’s aquatic habitat and ambush hunting style?
Peregrine Falcon, watercolor
Did you notice the small peg in the nostrils of the falcon? When diving after prey, falcons can reach speeds of 200 mph, with a G-force of 25. That peg-like structure in the nostril prevents air from rushing into the nostrils and causing damage to the lungs by slowing the air into a spiral flow. What other adaptions do falcons have to fly so fast and to deal with such incredible speed?
Egyptian Vulture: Vultures of the World Series, watercolor
Bearded Vulture: Vultures of the World Series, watercolor
Cinereous Vulture: Vultures of the World Series, watercolor
Lappet-faced Vulture: Vultures of the World Series, watercolor
California Condor:Vultures of the World Series, watercolor
Black Vulture: Vultures of the World Series, watercolor
